Ultra-Thin Operating Mechanism for Compact SPD Disconnectors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small-sized SSD and SPD products face challenges in achieving relative positioning, strength, and movement of internal parts, particularly in meeting requirements for short circuit, aftercurrent, and lightning current resistance while maintaining a compact size.

Innovation Solution

An ultra-thin operating mechanism is designed, comprising a housing and a moving assembly with a manually-operated piece, center plate, movable contact bracket, and transmission assembly, utilizing torsion springs and a four-bar linkage to achieve reliable movement and high strength within a minimal thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the size of SSD products and SPD products is reduced to achieve integration and miniaturization, then the product size is reduced, but the strength and reliability of internal parts deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct sizeVSAvoidstrength of internal parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional planar mechanism layout to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The operating mechanism is designed with components distributed in multiple dimensions, utilizing vertical and depth directions to achieve compact packaging while maintaining adequate strength. The mechanism assembly thickness is reduced to 6.5mm or less by optimizing the spatial configuration of the operating handle, transmission assembly, and contact brackets in three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested structure where the transmission assembly is integrated within the housing, and the movable contact bracket is positioned within the mechanism assembly. The operating mechanism adopts a nested layout where smaller components are arranged within the boundaries of larger components, maximizing space utilization and achieving miniaturization without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the mechanism parts are arranged in a compact configuration to reduce size, then the product is miniaturized, but the relative positioning precision of internal parts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism sizeVSAvoidrelative positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The operating mechanism is divided into functionally independent modules: the operating handle assembly, the transmission assembly with pivot points, the movable contact bracket, and the housing. Each module is designed and manufactured separately with standardized interfaces, then assembled together. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of individual components and simplifies the achievement of relative positioning precision during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes key geometric parameters of the mechanism components to achieve compact size while maintaining positioning precision. The thickness of the mechanism assembly is reduced to 6.5mm or less by carefully selecting and optimizing parameters such as the thickness of the center plate, the length of connecting rods, and the position of pivot points. These parameter changes enable miniaturization without sacrificing the relative positioning accuracy required for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If the thickness of the operating mechanism is reduced to achieve ultra-thin design, then the product is miniaturized, but the reliability of mechanism movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism thicknessVSAvoidreliability of mechanism movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures in the mechanism components to achieve ultra-thin design while maintaining reliability. The housing and mechanism parts are designed with optimized material composition and structural configuration that provides high strength-to-thickness ratio. The center plate and connecting rods use materials and structures that ensure reliable pivoting and transmission of motion even at reduced thickness of 6.5mm or less.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes curved and rounded structural features in the ultra-thin mechanism design. The pivot points and connecting joints incorporate curved surfaces and rounded transitions that facilitate smooth relative movement between components. The arc-shaped design of certain mechanism parts allows for reliable rotational motion within the constrained thickness, ensuring dependable mechanism operation despite the reduced 6.5mm or less thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The operating mechanism enables reliable movement and high strength within a minimal thickness, ensuring small-sized SSD products can effectively perform required functions such as short circuit and aftercurrent protection while resisting lightning current.

Implementation Method 1

a first torsion spring mounted on a side of the movable contact bracket opposite to the center plate, wherein two ends of the first torsion spring are respectively connected to the movable contact bracket and the center plate, so that pivoting of the center plate can drive the movable contact bracket to pivot and pivoting of the movable contact bracket can drive the center plate to pivot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4542615A1Operating mechanism, circuit breaker and SPD specific disconnector
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4542615A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542615A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542615A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

According to the present disclosure, an operating mechanism is provided, which comprises a housing and a moving assembly. The moving assembly comprises a manually-operated piece, a center plate, a transmission assembly, a movable contact bracket and a first torsion spring. Two ends of the first torsion spring are respectively connected to the movable contact bracket and the center plate, so that the pivoting of the center plate can drive the movable contact bracket to pivot and the pivoting of the movable contact bracket can drive the center plate to pivot. Through the transmission assembly and the center plate, the movable contact bracket moves to the open position when the manually-operated piece moves to the opening position, and moves to the closed position when the manually-operated piece moves to the closing position, the movable contact bracket further comprises a first cut-off face that cuts off an arc-shaped protrusion and a base, so that the arc-shaped protrusion forms an incomplete annular structure, the movable contact bracket is mounted to the housing through a movable contact bracket pivot shaft, and the extreme point of the stress of the movable contact bracket pivot shaft on the movable contact bracket is opposite to the first cut-off face relative to the movable contact bracket pivot shaft.